A conversation I’ve had many times through the years typically starts with, “John, I have something I want to go over with you,” or, “John, I need to pick your brain about this project. Let’s meet and I’ll be happy to pay you for your time.” Translation: I don’t need a big commitment (or fee) […]

It was the greatest thing they’ve ever done over there at your friend’s company. They found a way to improve their results by adding an incentive payment plan for the employees. Now you’re inclined not to reinvent the wheel and simply copy and paste the plan into your own […]

While there are certain seasons and cycles for specific elements of business, the request for a raise from one of your employees/associates/team members can happen at any time, often without warning. In fact, you’re likely to be blindsided by the question. How you respond speaks volumes about your ability to be prepared for a true […]

As a friend and client provided the blow by blow account of his company’s participation in an online reverse auction, I listened in horror. As you may know, a reverse online auction is the business version of Online Limbo, in which the prospective customer or client invites suppliers to bid on a specific project or […]

“She doesn’t have to be asked, she just takes care of things.” “He’s the first guy to offer to clean up the job site.” “I can always count on them to get things done even when I’m in a meeting.” These are the comments overhead from supervisors and managers who value the quality of initiative. Taking initiative, […]

You know the scene. You walk into a room of people with the purpose of expanding the network of those who know you, trust you, would buy from you or recommend you to others. You know you need to be out among prospective customers or clients. You have yet to see a single such event […]